Characters-1. Witches: From what I have read so far in this section, I learned about the witches' physical appearance and they sound very ugly; they have ragged clothing, skinny lips, and beards. I also learned that these witches can make prophecies and see the future. During the scene, they prove their clairvoyance by predicting Macbeth and Banquo's future. They can control things like the wind and also make themselves disappear. The witches are rather vengeful and clearly take a delight in using their knowledge of the future to toy with and destroy human beings.
2. Macbeth: I learned that Macbeth is thane of Glamis. He becomes the thane of Cawdor and also may become King of Scotland. He is uncorrupted and modest for now. Even after hearing his prophecy, he does not become excited nor does he believe all of it. He doubts what the witches are saying, and says that that is impossible - even speaking highly of the thane of Cawdor, and saying he would never be King. Instead of being excited, he is actually fearful.
3. Banquo: Banquo seems like a driven man who is very interested in his future. After Macbeth was shocked by the prophecy he did not ask to receive, Banquo goes on to ask the witches about his own future.
4. Ross: Ross is a messenger of the king. It seems that Ross is quite close with the king, since he has heard the king praising Macbeth after he read the letter and knows exactly the what the king things of Macbeth. Furthermore, he seems to be trying to agree unconditionally with the king.
5. Angus: Angus seems to be a messenger of the king since he is delivering his message. We do not learn much about Angus personally except that he dislikes traitors.
Major Plot Outline The Act begins with the three witches talking. One of them is plotting against a sailor's wife who insulted her. Macbeth and Banquo both receive prophecies from the three witches about their futures. Macbeth is to become thane of Cawdor and the King of Scotland, while Banquo's future is quite unclear - he is to be lesser and greater, less happy and happier than Macbeth. Banquo is to produce children who will be king. The witches disappear, leaving Macbeth and Banquo utterly befuddled. Ross and Angus arrive immediately afterwards to inform Macbeth he is now the thane of Cawdor because the previous thane of Cawdor was a traitor and is now to be executed. Banquo and Macbeth are both surprised when the witches' prophecies come true.
Conflicts Introduced in 1.3 The witches introduce a prophecy in which Macbeth will become king. This is a conflict since there is already a king of scotland with heirs. This induces the readers to infer that Macbeth may have to murder the King. It hints at fighting over power, glory, fame, and honor. Furthermore, however, for some reason Macbeth's sons will not be heirs and Banquo's will. This also hints at more conflict over power. 1.5 & 1.6 Questions
What do we learn about Lady Macbeth in these scenes? Lady Macbeth is ambitious, greedy, and cunning. She is evil and more manly than her husband. She is more driven than her husband and controls her husband. Lady Macbeth is the stronger character and her husband's actions are based on her wants and plans. Lady Macbeth is also the one who came up with the plan to murder Duncan and can be seen as the cleverer one too.
How might Lady Macbeth answer the question “What is the meaning of life?” Explain your answer. She might answer that the meaning of life is power. From what we know so far about her, she has been talking a lot about how Macbeth must become king, even if he has to kill Duncan. The fact that she is willing to kill another human being to become royal shows how power hungry Lady Macbeth is.
Identify and write out two of Lady Macbeth’s lines that are particularly striking. Explain why you selected the lines.
I chose these lines because they show how cunning she, how she is the one who's steering the wheel, and how far she is willing to go for power. Only look up clear.To alter favor ever is to fear.Leave all the rest to me.
Come, you spiritsThat tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,And fill me from the crown to the toe top-fullOf direst cruelty. Make thick my blood.Stop up the access and passage to remorse,That no compunctious visitings of natureShake my fell purpose, nor keep peace betweenThe effect and it!
Identify one significant word that Lady Macbeth uses in 1.5 or 1.6, and define both the denotation and connotation of the word. Explain why you think the word is significant.
remorse. Denotation: deep and painful regret for wrongdoing. Connotation: a negative connotation. I think this word is significant because she's asking the spirits to help her not have any remorse and it shows how serious she is about Macbeth becoming king.
1.7: Why has Macbeth decided to kill King Duncan by the end of Act 1?
Before the discussion:
He is faced with enormous pressure from this wife. His wife keeps mocking him as a coward for not being able to kill the king. In this process, his pride was hurt and Macbeth decides to be a man and kill the king. His wife tells him that if Macbeth must follow up with his plans in order to get what he wants. Although he was doubtful in the beginning, his wife has him totally convinced by the end that he will not get caught and become king.
Line reference:
1.7.42-45 "Wouldst thou have that which thou esteem'st the ornament of life, and live a coward in thine own esteem" 1.7.14
"But screw your courage to the sticking place"
ACT 2 How does Macbeth react to the killing of Duncan? Why does he react this way?
Macbeth feels very guilty after killing Duncan. Macbeth actually feels guilty after murdering Duncan. He fears going back to the scene of murder since he doesn't have the guts to go back to put in the daggers with the guards and see the murder he committed. While talking to Lady Macbeth, Macbeth also talks about how he was scared after he could not repeat "amen" after the servants. He is afraid that he will get punished and he hears voices, because of the overwhelming guilt. Also, he fears his hands, because it is bloody from the murder. Macbeth reacts in a cowardly way.
Textual Evidence:
I’ll go no more:I am afraid to think what I have done;Look on ’t again I dare not. (2.2, line 55) (looking at his hands) This is a sorry sight. (2.2, line 24)
What hands are here? Ha! They pluck out mine eyes.Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand? (2.2, line 59-61)
How does Lady Macbeth react to the killing of Duncan? Why does she react this way?
Lady Macbeth doesn't want to think about what a dreadful deed they just committed. First, she tries to calm down Macbeth so that he won't ruin the whole plan. She is quite bold and manly; she doesn't seem to fear the fact that they have committed murder and is about to put the blame to the servants. Also, she orders Macbeth on what he should do: wash his bloody hands, return the dagger, and put blood on the servants. Macbeth is not willing to go back to the scene of murder, since he fears the murder he has committed. However, in order for the plan to work, it should look like the servants murdered Duncan. So Lady Macbeth returns the dagger to the scene of murder and covers the servants' faces with Duncan's blood. Lady Macbeth is very nonchalant and keeps on mocking Macbeth of his cowardly behavior.
Textual Evidence:
1. These deeds must not be thought
After these ways. So, it will make us mad. (2.2, line 37) 2. And wash this filthy witness from your hand.Why did you bring these daggers from the place?They must lie there. Go carry them and smearThe sleepy grooms with blood. (2.2, line 47-50) 3. Infirm of purpose! Give me the daggers. The sleeping and the dead
Are but as pictures. (2.2, line 56) 4. My hands are of your color, but I shameTo wear a heart so white. (2.2, line 69) 5. Get on your nightgown, lest occasion call us And show us to be watchers. Be not lost So poorly in your thoughts. (2.2, line 74) 3.5 Summary
In this scene, the three witches are visited by Hecate, the head witch, who is extremely angry for telling Macbeth his future without her permission and tells the witches to show him a fake prophecy in order to make him overly confident and die. 3.6 Summary
In this scene, Lennox discuss about Banquo's murder with another lord; although the murderer is officially Fleance, they both are suspicious of Macbeth.
The Lord now has suspicions that Macbeth was behind the murders of Duncan and Banquo. He believes Macbeth to be tyrannical and is ruining Scotland.
4.1 Questions
What does Macbeth want in this scene? Macbeth wants to know about the truth of the Witches' prophecies and also who is threatening his throne. His mind is greatly troubled and he wants to relieve himself of all the pressures and stress. He hopes that by going to the witches, he'll be able to see that his future is safe and no longer have to worry about whether he's in danger or not.
What stands in his way? Macbeth believes that Macduff and Fleance are threatening him. The witches told him to beware of Macduff and now Macbeth really wants to get rid of him.
How does Macbeth attempt overcome the obstacles in his way? Although Macduff is not a big obstacle for Macbeth, his fear drives him to kill Macduff's family. Macbeth believes that getting rid of what he thinks to his obstacles will be equal to overcoming his obstacles.
What do the Witches want in this scene? The witches want to confuse Macbeth because Hecate the goddess of witchcraft ordered them to do so. They want Macbeth to believe their false prophecies and become overly confident.
How has Lady Macbeth transformed by the end of the play?
find two pieces of textual evidence from Act 5 to support your ideas
write a paragraph to explain each piece of textual evidence
1."Here’s the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes of
Arabia will not sweeten
this little hand. Oh, Oh, Oh!"(5.1)
Despite how greedy and ruthless Lady Macbeth was in the past, she is beginning to show some guilt now that so many sacrifices have been made during their way to victory. She says that the blood, guilt, cannot be washed away with all the perfumes of Arabia. Previously, Lady Macbeth would tell Macbeth to shut up when he started talking about guilt and how it will never be washed away, and yet, here in this scene, Lady Macbeth worries about how her guilt can never be erased. This shows a lot of change and shows vulnerability, which was usually covered up in the preceding acts.
2."The thane of Fife had a wife. Where is she now?—What,
will these hands ne'er be clean?—No more o' that, my lord,
no more o' that. You mar all with this starting." (5.1)
In the previous act, Macbeth ordered Macduff's wife and children to be murdered to protect himself and Lady Macbeth's position. The fact that Lady Macbeth senses some sort of loss and guilt for murdering these people shows how much her deeds have affected her character. Before, Lady Macbeth would tell Macbeth to man up and stop complaining about the guilt. And yet, here in this scene, she frets about the people who have died because of her and Macbeth.
1. On your MR wiki page, answer the following questions. Provide at least one piece of textual evidence for each answer. (This assignment will provide some ideas for the final paper.)
What is the main idea of the story?
What can we learn from these characters? Select one or two characters and explain your answer.
Do you see recurring images, words, deeds, situations, consequences, mistakes? Select two items from the preceding list and give examples from the play.
The main idea of the story is that power and ambition can destroy people, and Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are both clear examples of this idea. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both craved to become more than what they were; after the prophecy from the three witches, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth began to let their ambitions and dreams take control of them. Because they wanted power and kingship so much, Macbeth killed Duncan and numerous other people and Lady Macbeth was constantly there to encourage him. However, at the end, we see how because of his ambitions, Macbeth has gone mad. He doesn’t know where to stop, and his pride is eventually the end of him. As for Lady Macbeth, she also dies because she feels so guilty after all the things she did. Recurring deeds would be murder. Macbeth keeps killing people, or at least he hires murderers to do it for him. Recurring consequences for Macbeth is that he kept having weird visions. Before killing Duncan, he had that weird hallucination with the dagger and after ordering Banquo’s death, he saw Banquo’s ghost at the dinner table.
" Thou losest labor.
As easy mayst thou the intrenchant airWith thy keen sword impress as make me bleed.Let fall thy blade on vulnerable crests;I bear a charmèd life, which must not yieldTo one of woman born." (5.8.8-13)
Macbeth's ambition led to murders, which ended up successful. However, these successes ended up with him becoming so full of himself and his pride ends up becoming his downfall.
1.3 Reflection
Characters-1. Witches: From what I have read so far in this section, I learned about the witches' physical appearance and they sound very ugly; they have ragged clothing, skinny lips, and beards. I also learned that these witches can make prophecies and see the future. During the scene, they prove their clairvoyance by predicting Macbeth and Banquo's future. They can control things like the wind and also make themselves disappear. The witches are rather vengeful and clearly take a delight in using their knowledge of the future to toy with and destroy human beings.2. Macbeth: I learned that Macbeth is thane of Glamis. He becomes the thane of Cawdor and also may become King of Scotland. He is uncorrupted and modest for now. Even after hearing his prophecy, he does not become excited nor does he believe all of it. He doubts what the witches are saying, and says that that is impossible - even speaking highly of the thane of Cawdor, and saying he would never be King. Instead of being excited, he is actually fearful.
3. Banquo: Banquo seems like a driven man who is very interested in his future. After Macbeth was shocked by the prophecy he did not ask to receive, Banquo goes on to ask the witches about his own future.
4. Ross: Ross is a messenger of the king. It seems that Ross is quite close with the king, since he has heard the king praising Macbeth after he read the letter and knows exactly the what the king things of Macbeth. Furthermore, he seems to be trying to agree unconditionally with the king.
5. Angus: Angus seems to be a messenger of the king since he is delivering his message. We do not learn much about Angus personally except that he dislikes traitors.
Major Plot Outline
The Act begins with the three witches talking. One of them is plotting against a sailor's wife who insulted her. Macbeth and Banquo both receive prophecies from the three witches about their futures. Macbeth is to become thane of Cawdor and the King of Scotland, while Banquo's future is quite unclear - he is to be lesser and greater, less happy and happier than Macbeth. Banquo is to produce children who will be king. The witches disappear, leaving Macbeth and Banquo utterly befuddled. Ross and Angus arrive immediately afterwards to inform Macbeth he is now the thane of Cawdor because the previous thane of Cawdor was a traitor and is now to be executed. Banquo and Macbeth are both surprised when the witches' prophecies come true.
Conflicts Introduced in 1.3
The witches introduce a prophecy in which Macbeth will become king. This is a conflict since there is already a king of scotland with heirs. This induces the readers to infer that Macbeth may have to murder the King. It hints at fighting over power, glory, fame, and honor. Furthermore, however, for some reason Macbeth's sons will not be heirs and Banquo's will. This also hints at more conflict over power.
1.5 & 1.6 Questions
- What do we learn about Lady Macbeth in these scenes? Lady Macbeth is ambitious, greedy, and cunning. She is evil and more manly than her husband. She is more driven than her husband and controls her husband. Lady Macbeth is the stronger character and her husband's actions are based on her wants and plans. Lady Macbeth is also the one who came up with the plan to murder Duncan and can be seen as the cleverer one too.
- How might Lady Macbeth answer the question “What is the meaning of life?” Explain your answer. She might answer that the meaning of life is power. From what we know so far about her, she has been talking a lot about how Macbeth must become king, even if he has to kill Duncan. The fact that she is willing to kill another human being to become royal shows how power hungry Lady Macbeth is.
- Identify and write out two of Lady Macbeth’s lines that are particularly striking. Explain why you selected the lines.
I chose these lines because they show how cunning she, how she is the one who's steering the wheel, and how far she is willing to go for power.Only look up clear.To alter favor ever is to fear.Leave all the rest to me.
Come, you spiritsThat tend on mortal thoughts, unsex me here,And fill me from the crown to the toe top-fullOf direst cruelty. Make thick my blood.Stop up the access and passage to remorse,That no compunctious visitings of natureShake my fell purpose, nor keep peace betweenThe effect and it!
- Identify one significant word that Lady Macbeth uses in 1.5 or 1.6, and define both the denotation and connotation of the word. Explain why you think the word is significant.
remorse. Denotation: deep and painful regret for wrongdoing. Connotation: a negative connotation. I think this word is significant because she's asking the spirits to help her not have any remorse and it shows how serious she is about Macbeth becoming king.1.7: Why has Macbeth decided to kill King Duncan by the end of Act 1?
Before the discussion:
He is faced with enormous pressure from this wife. His wife keeps mocking him as a coward for not being able to kill the king. In this process, his pride was hurt and Macbeth decides to be a man and kill the king. His wife tells him that if Macbeth must follow up with his plans in order to get what he wants. Although he was doubtful in the beginning, his wife has him totally convinced by the end that he will not get caught and become king.
Line reference:
1.7.42-45
"Wouldst thou have that which thou esteem'st the ornament of life, and live a coward in thine own esteem"
1.7.14
"But screw your courage to the sticking place"
ACT 2
How does Macbeth react to the killing of Duncan? Why does he react this way?
Macbeth feels very guilty after killing Duncan. Macbeth actually feels guilty after murdering Duncan. He fears going back to the scene of murder since he doesn't have the guts to go back to put in the daggers with the guards and see the murder he committed. While talking to Lady Macbeth, Macbeth also talks about how he was scared after he could not repeat "amen" after the servants. He is afraid that he will get punished and he hears voices, because of the overwhelming guilt. Also, he fears his hands, because it is bloody from the murder. Macbeth reacts in a cowardly way.
Textual Evidence:
I’ll go no more:I am afraid to think what I have done;Look on ’t again I dare not. (2.2, line 55)
(looking at his hands) This is a sorry sight. (2.2, line 24)
What hands are here? Ha! They pluck out mine eyes.Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood Clean from my hand? (2.2, line 59-61)
How does Lady Macbeth react to the killing of Duncan? Why does she react this way?
Lady Macbeth doesn't want to think about what a dreadful deed they just committed. First, she tries to calm down Macbeth so that he won't ruin the whole plan. She is quite bold and manly; she doesn't seem to fear the fact that they have committed murder and is about to put the blame to the servants. Also, she orders Macbeth on what he should do: wash his bloody hands, return the dagger, and put blood on the servants. Macbeth is not willing to go back to the scene of murder, since he fears the murder he has committed. However, in order for the plan to work, it should look like the servants murdered Duncan. So Lady Macbeth returns the dagger to the scene of murder and covers the servants' faces with Duncan's blood. Lady Macbeth is very nonchalant and keeps on mocking Macbeth of his cowardly behavior.
Textual Evidence:
1. These deeds must not be thought
After these ways. So, it will make us mad. (2.2, line 37)
2. And wash this filthy witness from your hand.Why did you bring these daggers from the place?They must lie there. Go carry them and smearThe sleepy grooms with blood. (2.2, line 47-50)
3. Infirm of purpose!
Give me the daggers. The sleeping and the dead
Are but as pictures. (2.2, line 56)
4. My hands are of your color, but I shameTo wear a heart so white. (2.2, line 69)
5. Get on your nightgown, lest occasion call us
And show us to be watchers. Be not lost
So poorly in your thoughts. (2.2, line 74)
3.5 Summary
In this scene, the three witches are visited by Hecate, the head witch, who is extremely angry for telling Macbeth his future without her permission and tells the witches to show him a fake prophecy in order to make him overly confident and die.
3.6 Summary
In this scene, Lennox discuss about Banquo's murder with another lord; although the murderer is officially Fleance, they both are suspicious of Macbeth.
The Lord now has suspicions that Macbeth was behind the murders of Duncan and Banquo. He believes Macbeth to be tyrannical and is ruining Scotland.
4.1 Questions
How has Lady Macbeth transformed by the end of the play?
- find two pieces of textual evidence from Act 5 to support your ideas
- write a paragraph to explain each piece of textual evidence
1."Here’s the smell of the blood still. All the perfumes ofArabia will not sweeten
this little hand. Oh, Oh, Oh!"(5.1)
Despite how greedy and ruthless Lady Macbeth was in the past, she is beginning to show some guilt now that so many sacrifices have been made during their way to victory. She says that the blood, guilt, cannot be washed away with all the perfumes of Arabia. Previously, Lady Macbeth would tell Macbeth to shut up when he started talking about guilt and how it will never be washed away, and yet, here in this scene, Lady Macbeth worries about how her guilt can never be erased. This shows a lot of change and shows vulnerability, which was usually covered up in the preceding acts.
2."The thane of Fife had a wife. Where is she now?—What,
will these hands ne'er be clean?—No more o' that, my lord,
no more o' that. You mar all with this starting." (5.1)
In the previous act, Macbeth ordered Macduff's wife and children to be murdered to protect himself and Lady Macbeth's position. The fact that Lady Macbeth senses some sort of loss and guilt for murdering these people shows how much her deeds have affected her character. Before, Lady Macbeth would tell Macbeth to man up and stop complaining about the guilt. And yet, here in this scene, she frets about the people who have died because of her and Macbeth.
1. On your MR wiki page, answer the following questions. Provide at least one piece of textual evidence for each answer. (This assignment will provide some ideas for the final paper.)
What is the main idea of the story?
What can we learn from these characters? Select one or two characters and explain your answer.
Do you see recurring images, words, deeds, situations, consequences, mistakes? Select two items from the preceding list and give examples from the play.
The main idea of the story is that power and ambition can destroy people, and Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are both clear examples of this idea. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both craved to become more than what they were; after the prophecy from the three witches, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth began to let their ambitions and dreams take control of them. Because they wanted power and kingship so much, Macbeth killed Duncan and numerous other people and Lady Macbeth was constantly there to encourage him. However, at the end, we see how because of his ambitions, Macbeth has gone mad. He doesn’t know where to stop, and his pride is eventually the end of him. As for Lady Macbeth, she also dies because she feels so guilty after all the things she did. Recurring deeds would be murder. Macbeth keeps killing people, or at least he hires murderers to do it for him. Recurring consequences for Macbeth is that he kept having weird visions. Before killing Duncan, he had that weird hallucination with the dagger and after ordering Banquo’s death, he saw Banquo’s ghost at the dinner table.
" Thou losest labor.As easy mayst thou the intrenchant airWith thy keen sword impress as make me bleed.Let fall thy blade on vulnerable crests;I bear a charmèd life, which must not yieldTo one of woman born." (5.8.8-13)
Macbeth's ambition led to murders, which ended up successful. However, these successes ended up with him becoming so full of himself and his pride ends up becoming his downfall.